The President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo recently visited a few middle eastern countries, of interest to some was the visit to Iran. BU finds it surprising that we have had little if any analysis in the local media about what motivated the visit to Iran and possible implications for the region. It should be noted that Guyana is a sovereign nation and is solely responsible for shaping its foreign policy.
Press reports suggest that and a MOU was signed with Iran which will see Iranian medical doctors fill shortages at state [Guyana] hospitals and build a medical school to train students and junior physicians. Additionally, Guyana is to benefit from a $1.5 million grant to target the healthcare system and resources to map mineral resources. Other countries like Jordan and Kuwait provided financial and other resources.
The foreign policy positioning of the Jagdeo led Guyana seems at odds with that of other countries in Caricom. Given the intrigue of geopolitics at large, it seems surprising to see Guyana formulating a foreign policy which could see it at odds with the only super power. Despite the boast of being a sovereign country it is one of the lowest rated if measured by GDP or HDI. Taking on a conflicting position with the USA might prove unwise.
If Iran delivers on what has been published the region can look forward to Iran joining China and Taiwan in the region. Ordinarily any country offering aid to an impoverished nation is something that would be rejoiced at, can we in this case? Will the United States ignore the relationship with Iran by our South American Caricom member? Commonsense thinking echoes a loud no. Bear in mind the USA has always been concerned by so-called religious zealots cum-terrorists who allegedly have found a home in Iran over the years.
It would be interesting to note for the record whether President Jagdeo, who recently relinquished the Chairmanship of Caricom would have hinted to his colleagues the foreign policy direction he seems to be currently pursuing. At a minimum as a matter of courtesy!
Those better placed to assess the games which are played out on the stage of geopolitics say the Caribbean is of little interest to the USA in a post-cold war era. Cuba now finds it stands alone in a world minus the Soviet Union. Iran’s entry into the neighbourhood may just make Uncle Sam take notice.
Over the years Guyana has been a country which has been filled with political and racial tension. To add the bevy of issues which establishing a relationship with Iran may bring to the region should make Caricom leaders want to take notice as well.
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